Female Veterans Enjoy Spa Day
A group of female Veterans from the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s Homeless Program travelled to the school to be treated to manicures, pedicures, haircare and massages.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (March 18, 2015) -- Chatter and laughter filled the pedicure station at the Georgia Career Institute (CGI) Wednesday morning. Students at the cosmetology school regularly hone their skills on live clients but today’s group was a little out of the ordinary.
A group of female Veterans from the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s Homeless Program travelled to the school to be treated to manicures, pedicures, haircare and massages -- spa services that some had never received before.
It’s about helping each other,” said Cathy Thomas, GCI special events coordinator. “Women feel better when they look better … it refuels us, it keeps the students excited.”
The day wasn’t all about pampering though. Rudy Ragnauth, a peer support specialist with the Homeless Veterans Program noted that often, these Veterans have a difficult time developing life skills that many take for granted. “It’s a way for the Veterans to socialize,” he said. “I believe in taking people out and letting them experience life.”
“The social skills are something our Veterans need to learn again,” echoed Cari Harley, Substance Abuse Disorder counselor.
Ragnauth added that many of the clients he works with struggle to leave their homes or carry on conversations with others. He said he hopes to see more planned outings for these, and other, Veterans in the future.
In between services, participants were treated to lunch, courtesy of KFC, and had the opportunity to go “shopping” from racks of donated clothing and shoes. New Ariat work boots, courtesy of Tractor Supply Company, were also provided to the women.
“This is such a pleasure,” said Octavia Scott, a female Veteran from Nashville. “I won’t go anywhere that isn’t fun … I’m having a blast!”
Thomas said the students enjoy spending time with the Veterans as well.
“Homeless female Veterans,” she said. “Those are words that should never be in the same sentence. Our students just can’t imagine that there are women Veterans without a home.”
Hopefully, noted Ragnauth, events such as these, coupled by the many services offered through the VA, will help these Veterans continue down the path to a single goal - independence.
